Worsening AMD Diagnosis

I have wet AMD in both eyes. My left eye is much worse than the right eye and now after receiving the Eyelea shots, I have cataracts in my left eye as well that I never had until I began the injections of Eyelea. (any of similar manufacturers also has the warning of cataracts). My vision has deteriorated even after almost three years of bi monthly shots. But, without these injections, I am sure I would have lost my central vision which would incapacitate me and I would be considered "legally blind". I have no side effects from Eyelea but there are warnings that in a rare instance, the injections could cause a heart attack. I am sure there are other scary side effects as well. My vision improved for two years until the cataracts showed up and now I am destined for cataract surgery. The injection can CAUSE cataracts, which I never had until I had to get these shots. All medications have side effects, some serious and some just annoying. We all have to make a decision what we value the most. Risk, or blindness which will most likely occur without injections. I wish you the best in this miserable vision battle. One day there will be "one shot and done", but there are many cut backs in the cost of better health of our nation, so who knows. 🙁

My dry AMD has recently changed as well. I am considering the new Valeda light therapy. My concern is I have read that it possible can change dry AMD into wet. I only have minimal sight in one eye since birth and my good eye which at distance without glasses is 20/20 . I only need glasses for reading but both eyes have dry AMD .
Has anyone tried this Valeda light therapy with success or have you developed problems after beginning these treatments. The treatments are approved by the FDA but bc my vision loss does not fall into the Medicare guidelines I will need to pay out of pocket. Seems ridiculous that you need to wait for the AMD to progress further to be covered bc the treatments are to stop the progression. Any info is appreciated.

My initial dry AMD (symptomless) became wet in one eye also. I have been getting monthly injections since last July and now that I am receiving Eyelea, my vision has improved……not 100%, but much better. They started me on a medication that was not effective, but once the Eyelea was started, things improved. We must INSIST and be our own advocate. Any medication comes with potential side effects……weigh the pros and cons and decide. For me it was easy, better vision. I am also getting the Valeda treatnent in the other eye, which is dry, have had one full 9 session treatment and according to my retina specialist, there has been improvement. I will continue both the injections for the wet eye and the Valeda light treatment for the dry eye. Should side effects occur……those will be weighed and new choices may have to be made…

My retinal specialist said I have a spot that might become wet AMD, otherwise I've been diagnosed with dry AMD in both eyes plus cataracts. The specialist gave me all kinds of reading material in preparation for this week's appointment to "make a decision." I'm beside myself with all this information, especially when I read all the side effects. Is there any one treatment that I should consider?

@sallyvic I've had wetl macular degeneration for 3 years and get a monthly shot and sometimes 2 shots in a month. I have it in both eyes, with one eye worse than the other. I had no one to talk to and was mortified. But, I was fortunate to find a great doctor who explained thoroughly all the questions I had. I have to say, it's not my favorite thing to do, but the eye is thoroughly numb during the injection and I haven't had any side effects. The consequences of not taking the shot is not how I want to live. I don't want to have serious regrets because I was afraid, or because it's a lifetime commitment. Best wishes with your decision.

To everyone, I suggest you find the best retina doctor in your area for treatment. If you can, see a Wills Eye Institute doctor in Philadelphia. Research, research, research!

The side effects of NOT dealing with the AMD are more terrifying………progressive loss of vision.
You need to make your decision with the help of your retina specialist, who treats AMD everyday. This condition is not fun, but I would get an injection everyday if I needed it.

I had my appointment with my retina specialist! Going in, I was somewhat optimistic there would be some solution for my dry AMD. Not so. She said I had too much drusen for one shot to work. She didn’t think this new approved laser treatment would work for me either. The other shot had a 1% risk of eye stroke, and she said even a low 1% would be worrisome. Her solution: wait and see in another two months. Can anyone comment on your experience with options? The industry should start working on important eye health treatments instead of hair growth!

I have wet AMD in right eye, dry in left. Have been getting injections for wet AMD for several years with steady improvement. Now my wet is much worse. I researched- found that anything that increases intraocular pressure can worsen AMD. I exercise which includes pushups & using an ab wheel. Found they both can increase intraocular pressure & worsen the condition. Valsalva maneuver as well can cause damage. (straining on toilet) So with this new knowledge and making some changes,
I am hoping my eye will again continue to improve. Injections now every 18 weeks.

Straining on the toilet! Life is full of surprises. I had the twisted stomach surgery several weeks ago and found that straining on the toilet can be one of the problems for that too. I guess I can only pray that my AMD will not worsen as my mother, who just turned 107, has had dry AMD since she was 88.